In case you're making a beeline for Cambodia, at that point grabbing a couple of Khmer phrases is a smart thought. While numerous Cambodians (particularly more youthful ones) can talk really great English, knowing a couple of expressions in Khmer will warm the hearts of local people and realize a couple of grins – and far and away superior arrangements. Here are 21 helpful Khmer expressions to swot up on in front of your trek.
Greetings and essentials
Chom Reap Sour (chom-reap-sore) / Hello (formal)
Cambodians have an extremely respectful culture, with elders and those of a higher social standing greeted using this more formal hello.
Susadei (Soos-a-day)/ Hello (informal)
This is a more informal greeting that is used between peers or friends. It is also accompanied with a sampeah.
Soksaby (soks-a-bye) / How are you and I am fine
It may seem strange but the Khmer way of asking “how are you?” and responding “I’m fine” is the same.
Chom Reap Lear (chom-reep-lear) / Good bye (formal)
Again, this is the formal way to say goodbye in situations where respect is required. Don’t forget to throw in a smile.
Lea hi (lea-hi) / Good bye (informal)
This is the more commonly used and casual way to wave goodbye.
Bah (bah) / Yes (male)
Jah (chaa)/ Yes (female)
You’ll here a lot of “bah, bah, bah” from Cambodian men and “chaa chaa chaas” from women. Usually said several times.
Ot Teh (ot-tei)/ No
Learning how to say no will come in very handy for turning down the heckling tuk tuk drivers visitors face.
Arkun (Ar-koon) / Thank you
A polite thank you always goes a long way, wherever you are in the world.
Som Dtoh (som-toe) / Sorry/ excuse me
This is another useful phrase that is well worth picking up before you land in the country.
Directions
Baht schweng (bart-shweng) / Turn left
A tuk tuk is likely to be your main mode of transport in Cambodia so learning a few phrases will come in handy.
Baht Saddam (bart-sadam) / Turn right
Another handy phrase for getting around.
Chop (chop) / Stop
You can throw a “som” (please) in front to be polite.
Tini (tinny) / here
Why not place some of your newly learned words together to say, “please stop here” or “som chop tini”.
Da Trong (da-trong)/ Go straight
Another handy phrase when your tuk tuk driver looks like he wants to take a wrong turn.
At the restaurant/bar
Chhnang (ch-nang)/ Delicious
Cambodians love talking about food as much as Brits enjoy moaning about the weather, so saying “delicious” will bring about a smile.
Som tach (som tack) / Water please
Cambodia’s heat means staying hydrated is essential.
Knyom khleam (knoym-kleam)/ I’m hungry
If you grasp this phrase, then you’ll soon find yourself being ushered to the nearest restaurant or street stall.
Som ket loy (som-ket-loy)/ The bill please
Cambodians don’t so often use the word “please” or “som” so this can be dropped for speed.
At the market
Pun man (bow-man)/ How much?
Picking up a few phrases to take to the market with you will be rewarded with much better prices when bartering.
T’lay nas (t-lay nas)/ too expensive
You’ll definitely need this one if you want to haggle. Place more emphasis at the end of “lay” to highlight your level of horror.
Moi, bee, bai, boum, bram, bram moi, bram bee, bram boum, dop/ counting from one to 10.
Getting to grips with counting is a good way to get around as streets tend to be numbered rather than named in Cambodia.
Making friends
Chhmua ei? (cham-moo-ey)/ What is your name?
This is an essential phrase for forging friendships with locals.
Knyom Chhmua ___ (knyom-cham-moo)/ My name is _____
And, of course, you need to know how to say your own name back.
